Coast Guard introduces first dedicated fixed-wing aircraft

Ireland’s search and rescue capability has been significantly strengthened with the official launch of the Irish Coast Guard’s new aviation service.

Minister of State Seán Canney, who has special responsibility for the Coast Guard, announced the service on Friday, describing it as a “pivotal moment for Ireland’s maritime safety and environmental stewardship.”

The €800 million contract, operated by Bristow Ireland over 10 years, provides six purpose-built AW189 helicopters which will be stationed at Waterford, Sligo, Dublin and Shannon. For the first time, the Coast Guard will also have a dedicated 24-hour fixed-wing service, with two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft operating out of Shannon.

The new fleet will function as an integrated service, supporting inland, coastal and offshore search and rescue missions. It will also provide round-the-clock aeromedical support to the HSE and to offshore island communities.

“For the first time, the Coast Guard has a dedicated fixed-wing aircraft which will enable it to meet international obligations in proactive maritime environmental monitoring and pollution investigation,” Minister Canney said. The service will cover an area of 132,000 square miles of Irish maritime territory.

Bristow Ireland began operations from Shannon in December 2024 with the first AW189 helicopters. A 24-hour fixed-wing service was introduced in May of this year, while in July the Dublin service moved to Weston Airport, marking the end of 27 years of Coast Guard operations from Dublin Airport. The Waterford and Sligo bases will complete their transition to the new service in the coming months.